Can anyone who is familiar with this torch give me some tips on using
it? I am used to acet/atmospheric air torches but live in a NYC apt.
so the Smith was the best fit for my bench… but I keep melting
simple things - any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Graham
Can anyone who is familiar with this torch give me some tips on using it? I am used to acet/atmospheric air torches but live in a NYC apt. so the Smith was the best fit for my bench... but I keep melting simple things - any tips would be appreciated.
Following applies to any new torch.
Open propane and adjust until you have 2 inch flame. Slowly add
oxygen, until flame changes to blue with slight yellow tip. That is
reducing flame, where most of the work is done. Try to do some
soldering. If flame is too hot, reduce the size of propane flame and
adjust as before. If it too cold, than vise versa. Wich some
experimentation, you will know in very short time.
Neutral and oxidizing flames should not be used until familiarity
with torch is established, but the process is the same. Start with
propane of certain size and adjust oxygen to desired configuration.
Leonid Surpin
Sounds like you are using too hot of a flame, pretty easy to do if
you’re used to acetylene and air. Try using a larger tip and a more
neutral or even slightly reducing flame. Unless you are welding
platinum or something like that, the blue cone of the flame
shouldn’t be sharp and pointed, just slightly ragged, even with a
hint of orange at the very tip. No hissing! Also, keep it moving
around a little bit. The tip of that cone is very hot compared with
the rest of the flame, unlike what you are used to, so keep it moving
to avoid too much concentrated heat in one tiny spot, and be ready to
pull it the instant the solder flows. You can always re-heat it, but
you can never un-melt it!
Stay with it, it’s worth the effort!
Dave Phelps